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Local Government

Articles in this section cover Bloomington city council, the mayor's office, Monroe County's board of commissioners, county council, and all the other local units.

Monroe County halts Thomson encampment eviction, no new date set; 30-day notice mulled

Monroe County halts Thomson encampment eviction, no new date set; 30-day notice mulled

Monroe County commissioners say there is now no specific timeline to clear the homeless encampment on the county-owned Thomson property, indefinitely postponing a previously scheduled Dec. 15 removal. Commissioners signaled support for longer notice periods, potentially 30 days

Pressure mounts on Monroe County to halt Thomson encampment clearance

Pressure mounts on Monroe County to halt Thomson encampment clearance

Opposition is rising to Monroe County’s plan to clear the Thomson encampment. After protests, commissioners delayed the move to Dec. 15, but county councilors want commissioners to take a longer pause. They question the funding source, how residents were notified, and the lack of a relocation plan.

Monroe County council mulls donations to BEDC, Seven Oaks Classical School

Monroe County council mulls donations to BEDC, Seven Oaks Classical School

Monroe County council on Tuesday will weigh two uncommon donations—$1,800 to Seven Oaks Classical School and $30,000 to the BEDC. County commissioners declined a Seven Oaks grant contract last month. County councilors made a similar donation to the BEDC last year.

Homeless camp removal: Monroe County grants 1-week pause after activists disrupt meeting seeking 4-month delay

Homeless camp removal: Monroe County grants 1-week pause after activists disrupt meeting seeking 4-month delay

Monroe County commissioners delayed the planned Dec. 8 removal of the Thomson encampment by 1 week, after activists urged more time for relocation amid frigid weather. The move followed a tense meeting featuring sharp criticism and a brief recess. Notices were issued Dec. 1 to 40–50 residents.

Monroe County election board weighs cuts to early voting hours, polling sites for 2026, as vote center debate simmers

Monroe County election board weighs cuts to early voting hours, polling sites for 2026, as vote center debate simmers

Monroe County’s election board is preparing for 2026 under a tight budget. Thursday's meeting featured debate about whether to cut early voting hours and reduce Election Day polling sites. The debate over vote centers also resurfaced.

Bloomington council turns down quadrupled septic hauling rate jump; wants different path to a needed increase

Bloomington council turns down quadrupled septic hauling rate jump; wants different path to a needed increase

On Wednesday, Bloomington’s council unanimously rejected a four-fold septic hauling rate hike but agreed some increase is needed. Councilmembers are hoping for rates that distinguish between holding tanks and drain-field systems. CBU is expected to return in 2026 with a different proposal.

Jessica McClellan to step down as Bloomington city controller; Geoff McKim to take role in 2026

Jessica McClellan to step down as Bloomington city controller; Geoff McKim to take role in 2026

Bloomington controller Jessica McClellan will leave her post later this month, and former county councilor Geoff McKim is set to take over in January. Mayor Kerry Thomson praised both officials in announcing the transition. McKim will resign from the CIB to assume the role of controller